SW.  Firstly, congratulations on your efforts against Bayonne you played the full 80mins bar the last couple, and it was an excellent performance

You look in good shape at the moment you are playing the full 80 mins and look hungry for the ball?

 

NEMS.   With players away for the World Cup I got my chance this season, last year I did a lot of bench time, which is not a bad thing but I knew this season that I had to up my game if I was going to start and play more often. I did not have a good first game but I have worked hard since and the extra work is now paying off. In the next couple of weeks we will have everyone back from the world cup so that means competition for every starting place every week, of course it will be tough but now I have been starting regularly I want to carry on.

 

SW. What do you think are the biggest assets for a front row forward?

 

NEMS.  Many players have told me that most prop forwards keep the ball in contact and go to ground with it, but I have tried to keep the ball alive by using my hands to the best of my ability, upper body strength is also important, as the scrums are energy sapping and there is always a ferocious combat upfront to win the smallest of advantages, but that is our job and I love the face to face combat I think it is in the blood of the Samoans.

 

SW.  Our scrum is becoming more aggressive especially in the front row what are the reasons?

 

NEMS.  We have been putting in a lot of scrum work with Didier Bess, sometimes as many as three days a week, trying to find that cohesion that you need as a unit, and I think the results are beginning to show we are now using our weight and technique to the best of out ability, nothing is perfect, but we are certainly making progress in the right direction, Saturday against Castres will be another stern test but if we play to our game plan hopefully we will come away with a victory. You know in the front row the battle can be won with the smallest of margins, you get that little extra on your opposite number and you are in front but it is easier to say that put into practice on the park.

 

SW. Were you happy with the Samoans performance in the World Cup?

 

NEMS. It was a great performance by the boys in the World Cup I am really proud of all of them, you know we are a tiny little island and to take on some of the mighty rugby countries and show that we are their equal says everything for a Samoan. We have loads of good youngsters coming through and they represented their country Samoa with pride and courage.

 

SW. Finally Nems what are your feelings about playing in the H Cup for the very first time and the first game against the reigning Champions Leinster?

 

NEMS. What an experience, who could wish for more, the club has had this goal for sometime and we have finally got there, for me I have been at the club now for several years, and I do not have to watch it on television I will be living the dream it will also be a challenge for me to improve even more, as I will be coming up against world class opposition.

Every boys dream and next month it will be reality, fantastic!!!!

 

SW. Thanks Nems and good luck against Castres on Saturday and make sure that we win!!!

 

Interview by Steve Whittell.